Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 9% year over year, reaching $309 million for the first time in quarterly revenue [29][30] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 12% year over year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.4%, the highest in three years [35] - Free cash flow for the first six months of 2025 was $52 million, nearly three times the full-year free cash flow achieved in 2024 [5][36] - Cash and cash equivalents grew to an all-time high of $311 million, a 27% increase year over year [10][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revolve segment net sales increased by 9% year over year, while FORWARD segment net sales increased by 10% [30] - Domestic net sales grew by 7%, and international net sales increased by 17% year over year [30] - The return rate decreased by more than 1.5 points year over year, contributing to improved profitability [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International markets showed strong growth, particularly in China, where sales more than doubled over the past two years [12] - The company reported a 17% increase in international net sales, with nearly all regions experiencing double-digit growth [11][30] - The luxury market overall declined year over year, but the company gained market share [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding brand awareness, growing the customer base, and enhancing connections with the next generation of consumers [10] - Continued investment in owned brands is a priority, as they generate higher margins compared to third-party brands [24] - The company is exploring physical retail opportunities, with plans to open a new store in Los Angeles by the fourth quarter [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current volatile environment, citing strong cash flow and a solid balance sheet [44] - The company anticipates that tariff mitigation efforts will improve gross margins over the long term [39] - Management noted that while the tariff landscape remains uncertain, recent improvements in tariff mitigation have been promising [39] Other Important Information - The company has successfully implemented AI-driven enhancements to improve the shopping experience and operational efficiency [14][15] - Marketing investments represented 15.2% of net sales, remaining flat year over year [32] - The effective tax rate increased to 33.7% due to certain discrete tax items [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the tariff mitigation efforts and their long-term benefits? - Management indicated that partnerships with brands have been strengthened due to tariff pressures, which should yield long-term benefits [46][47] Question: How should pricing be adjusted in response to tariffs? - Price increases are expected to be mid-single digits in Q3, with adjustments made in line with market trends [49][50] Question: What are the trends in U.S. versus international sales? - International sales showed strong double-digit growth, particularly in China, while U.S. sales increased by 7% [53][57] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on gross margin? - Tariffs had a negative impact in Q2, but this was offset by improvements in markdown margins and owned brand sales [65][66] Question: What progress has been made in reducing return rates? - Management is optimistic about reducing return rates further, although tougher comparisons are expected in the second half of the year [68][69] Question: What advancements have been made in AI initiatives? - The company has made significant progress in AI enhancements, including improvements in search algorithms and customer service technologies [70][72]

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government is considering measures to address the depreciation of the yen and rising domestic prices, including the cancellation of tax-free shopping for foreign tourists, which raises concerns about a potential decrease in tourist numbers [1] Group 1: Background on Duty-Free Shopping - The concept of duty-free shopping was pioneered by Brendan O'Regan over 70 years ago at Shannon Airport in Ireland, which became a significant transatlantic transit hub [3] - O'Regan's innovative idea stemmed from his experience on a ship returning to Ireland, where he realized that duty-free goods could be sold in international waters, leading him to propose a similar model at the airport [3][4] - The Irish government initially doubted the feasibility of O'Regan's idea, but he successfully persuaded them, resulting in the enactment of the Duty-Free Airport Act in 1947 [3] Group 2: Development of Duty-Free Shops - The first duty-free shop at Shannon Airport opened in a small wooden structure with limited product offerings, strategically located between the terminal and the boarding area [3] - By 1951, the duty-free shopping experience expanded significantly, with the official opening of the world's first duty-free store, which featured local products such as honey, bacon, and cheese [3] - The success of the duty-free shop was particularly notable in the sale of tobacco and alcohol, with prices around one-third of market rates, leading to rapid expansion and the introduction of cross-border shipping services by 1954 [4] Group 3: Impact and Legacy - The popularity of the duty-free shop attracted numerous celebrities and dignitaries, enhancing the airport's profile and the surrounding town's visibility [4] - The success of Shannon Airport's duty-free model inspired other countries, leading to the establishment of similar shops in international airports worldwide, starting with Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in 1957 [4]

Core Viewpoint - The company, Yagor, is accelerating the sale of its long-held investments, particularly in real estate and financial assets, to focus on its core business strategy amid changing economic conditions [2][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Strategy - As of June 23, the total transaction amount over the past year reached 4.175 billion, accounting for 10.13% of the unaudited net assets by the end of 2024 [2]. - The company’s chairman stated that exiting real estate and reducing financial investments is a necessary response to the current economic environment, significantly impacting operational performance [2]. - The investment segment is projected to generate over 2.2 billion in revenue for Yagor in 2024, contributing nearly 80% to the overall earnings, while the fashion apparel business saw a net profit of only 430 million, a 44% year-on-year decline [2]. Group 2: Mergers and Acquisitions - Yagor has been actively pursuing acquisition strategies in the clothing brand and retail sectors, including a partnership with the French luxury shoe brand CORTHAY and the acquisition of the high-end children's fashion brand Bonpoint for 1.53 billion [3][4]. Group 3: Retail Expansion - The company invested significantly in optimizing offline retail experiences, adding 46 self-operated stores and upgrading 164 existing ones, resulting in a total of 1,777 self-operated stores and an increase in operational area by 48,800 square meters [4]. - Yagor is implementing a strategy of opening large stores while closing smaller ones, focusing on major cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou [4]. Group 4: Channel Development - The company aims to enhance channel construction as a primary investment direction, with plans to strengthen budget management and total-to-total business cooperation, similar to strategies employed by luxury brands like LVMH [4][5]. - Yagor's main brand has entered high-end shopping centers, and other brands are also expanding in premium retail locations [5]. Group 5: Strategic Partnerships - Yagor's acquisition of Intime Department Store is expected to contribute to its expansion in high-end channels, with a strategic cooperation plan aiming for a 20-fold sales increase by 2030 [6]. - A commercial alliance involving Intime Department Store and other department stores has been established to enhance collaborative efforts in sales and joint marketing [6]. Group 6: Cash Flow Management - The company is facing cash flow challenges, with a cash ratio of 0.32 at the end of 2024, down 0.06 from the same period in 2023 [7]. - In the first quarter, short-term borrowings increased by approximately 1.2 billion, while cash and cash equivalents rose by 18% to 9.16 billion, improving the cash ratio to 0.38 [7].

Group 1 - The first Jing'an Fashion Culture Week opened on June 7, showcasing the district's role as a core area for international consumption and aiming to create a new experience through "premiere, showcase, and consumption transformation" [3] - The event features a blend of cultural display, industry empowerment, innovative consumption, and global dialogue, connecting key business districts and art institutions [3] - The fashion week aims to activate urban fashion innovation and inject new momentum into China's fashion industry through cultural collisions and cross-border integration [3] Group 2 - The event includes an immersive space where domestic designers and fabric artists merge local fashion strength with historical fashion heritage, breaking down barriers between art and commerce [5] - Attendees can enjoy art exhibitions, capture fashion inspiration, and shop for desired items, creating a seamless connection between visual enjoyment, artistic resonance, and consumer experience [5] - The Hong Kong Palace Museum is hosting its first exhibition outside Hong Kong during the event, exploring cultural connections between Shanghai and Hong Kong [6] - Various luxury brands and institutions are participating, including a Swiss watch brand sharing craftsmanship and a French business investment agency promoting exquisite jewelry and high-quality lifestyle [6]

Core Insights - H&M is committed to enhancing its presence in the Chinese market, viewing it as a key component of its global brand strategy [5][9][18] - The opening of the new flagship store in Beijing's Youtang Shopping Center reflects H&M's strategy to provide a modern and diverse shopping experience [3][6] - H&M's recent performance indicates significant growth, with a reported sales figure of 234.48 billion Swedish Krona for 2024, and a 19% increase in operating profit [14][17] Store Expansion and Upgrades - The new store spans over 1500 square meters, designed to offer a comfortable and diverse shopping environment [3] - H&M has been upgrading several stores across China, including flagship locations in Shanghai and Beijing, to enhance customer experience and showcase the latest fashion concepts [6][9] - The company aims to optimize its store layout by focusing on flagship stores in major cities while closing smaller locations [9][18] Localization and Digital Strategy - H&M is actively pursuing localization by collaborating with Chinese designers and launching products that resonate with local aesthetics [13] - The company plans to expand its online presence by entering platforms like Pinduoduo and Douyin, aiming to provide a seamless omnichannel shopping experience [11] - H&M's strategy includes adapting to changing consumer habits and enhancing its digital retail approach [8][11] Financial Performance - H&M reported a significant increase in sales and profits for 2024, with a focus on product quality and customer experience [14][15] - The company has opened 4,253 stores globally, with a strong emphasis on the Chinese market, which is crucial for its growth strategy [17] - H&M's leadership emphasizes a commitment to long-term growth through improved product offerings and customer engagement initiatives [15][18]